Before she launched a career in the local newspaper and magazine industry that spanned more than three decades, Dianne Siler Edwards was born to tell you a story. No matter the workload or impending deadlines, she always greeted her readers or customers with a smile on her face, a bounce in her step and took a heartfelt interest in their lives.

Whether it was about her college days at Arkansas Tech University, raising three daughters, or through advertisements, marketing pieces and special publications, Dianne spent several days and many long nights writing and editing stories of the people and places of the Arkansas River Valley.

Edwards — who spent more than 20 years with The Courier and was creator, editor and publisher of ABOUT the River Valley — lost her battle with cancer on Wednesday. She was 55. A complete obituary is available here.

“Her love for the community was reflected in all of her work. She is truly remembered as someone whose commitment and devotion made a difference in the community,” Michelle Harris, advertising director at The Courier, said.

Past colleagues said they fondly remember Dianne for her willingness to help others, the family stories she loved to share and the big smile she always wore.

“One of the good ones,” Courier editor emeritus Bill Newsom said. “She was an outstanding employee and did a fantastic job as family editor. She was well thought of in the community and by the readers. She was an excellent worker and a great friend. I really regret to hear of her passing.”

Dianne graduated from Magnolia High School in 1976 and earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Arkansas Tech University in 1980, where she met her husband of 32 years, Nolan, who retired from Arkansas Nuclear One in February.

After serving a summer internship in 1979, Dianne began her 26-year career at The Courier, where she worked in the editorial, advertising, marketing and special issue coordination areas.

She was the first to electronically paginate the newspaper, and served as family and lifestyles editor, and was editor and sales director of the River Valley Style magazine. Her work garnered first-place awards from the Arkansas Press Association for both editorial and advertising content.

As they celebrated 25 years of marriage in the summer of 2006, Dianne and Nolan Edwards created and introduced ABOUT the River Valley.

“She’s been the most influential person in my career in many ways, and I owe much of where I am today to her,” said Chris Zimmerman, who worked with Edwards at The Courier and ABOUT the River Valley.

“That’s just from the professional side. From the personal side, she was a true friend who I could always count on and made me feel like one of her family.

“We spent as much time just visiting and chatting as we did working together. She’s an amazing woman.”

When she wasn’t writing or coordinating stories for the magazine, Dianne volunteered numerous hours for her community. She served several years as a member of Junior Auxiliary, the Russellville Area Chamber of Commerce, Main Street Russellville Board of Directors, and dedicated much of her time to the support of local merchants.

“Dianne became a sister to me and always will be,” photographer Steve Newby said. “Her generous and loving heart made it a real joy to work alongside her. She unselfishly gave her all to her family, friends and community. Her energy, wisdom, and care for others will be greatly admired and missed by us all.”

Betsy McGuire, executive director of Main Street Russellville, said she got to know Edwards when she worked for The Courier. Edwards served on the organization’s Board of Directors for more than two years.

“Those who knew her recognized that Dianne was a special lady,” McGuire explained. “She had a love and empathy for our local businesses that was evidenced by her diligent attendance at the monthly morning meetings of the downtown merchants. Her hot breakfast casseroles were legendary at those early-morning meetings, and she was often besieged with requests for her recipes.

Years later, she became the volunteer chairwoman of that committee and a valuable hard-working member of Main Street Russellville’s Board of Directors.

“Because she loved Russellville, Dianne was an ardent supporter and advocate of Main Street Russellville’s downtown revitalization efforts. She had a love for downtown and understood its value as the symbolic heart and soul of our city. Dianne was a dear friend and will be greatly missed.”